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Woollen Insulation

Insulate
Sheep wool has been used as a way to keep us warm for thousands of years. Using it to insulate our homes, however, is more of a modern phenomenon. But it is a fantastic insulating product that has many green advantages.

It does the job well, in that it has good insulating properties, and it is strong and easy to handle and install. Very little energy is used in manufacture, it is easily recyclable and has natural fire resistance.

Cheap
In recent years, wool from the UK has been selling at rock bottom prices, and 75% of it is exported. Wool that is used for insulation typically comes from breeds of hill sheep which have coarser wool, traditionally used in carpets.

Wool has an excellent thermal performance and can be used to insulate lofts, timber frame walls and suspended timber floors. It is only suitable for use where it can be kept dry. If it gets wet, the weight of water flattens it out and drives out all the air in it which reduces its insulating ability.

Wool for insulation needs to be washed to remove all the natural oils that normally keep sheep warm and dry. Then it goes through carding, or teasing and thinning.It is sprayed with borax, which increases its resistance to fire, and insect attack, especially moths. Once done, it is ready to be stuffed into your loft, ceilings and walls to reduce your fuel bills and keep you toasty through the winter months.

Find out more
The British Wool Marketing Board
www.britishwool.org.uk

Second Nature: wool insulation supplier
www.secondnatureuk.com


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